North Carolina Counties See Uneven Wage Growth as Economy Shifts

Rutherford County among rural areas lagging behind urban hubs in service-sector pay

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:20am

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A minimalist Bauhaus-style illustration using bold geometric shapes and a color palette of navy blue, mustard yellow, and slate grey to represent the uneven economic transition in North Carolina, with some regions thriving while others lag behind.As North Carolina's economy moves away from manufacturing, the uneven distribution of higher-paying service jobs highlights growing regional wage disparities.Rutherfordton Today

A new report from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners shows that while service-providing jobs now dominate the state's economy, wage growth has been concentrated in urban areas like Durham, Mecklenburg, and Wake counties. Rutherford County, located in the state's rural western region, ranks near the bottom with an average weekly service-sector wage of just $832, hundreds below the statewide average of $1,309.

Why it matters

The data highlights the uneven economic transformation underway in North Carolina, as the state's economy has shifted away from manufacturing toward a service-based model. This shift has benefited major metro areas, but left many rural counties struggling with lower-paying jobs in sectors like retail and hospitality.

The details

According to the NCACC report, 84% of jobs in North Carolina are now in service-providing industries, up from just 50% in 1990. However, the highest-paying service jobs have clustered in urban hubs, with Durham, Mecklenburg, and Wake counties all averaging over $1,400 per week. In contrast, dozens of rural counties, including Rutherford, fall hundreds of dollars below the statewide average.

  • The NCACC data was published in April 2026, using the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.

The players

North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC)

A nonpartisan organization that distributes economic data and policy research to county leaders across the state.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The federal agency that collects and publishes the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data used in the NCACC report.

Rutherford County

A rural county in western North Carolina where the average weekly service-sector wage is $832, placing it 10th lowest out of the state's 100 counties.

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What they’re saying

“The data underscores a broader reality: while service jobs now dominate North Carolina's economy, they are not paid equally across regions.”

— Annie Dance, Publisher, Cops & Congress newsletter

What’s next

The NCACC plans to continue monitoring county-level economic data and providing updates to local leaders as North Carolina's economic transformation continues.

The takeaway

This report highlights the growing divide between urban and rural economies in North Carolina, as the state's shift away from manufacturing has benefited major metro areas while leaving many rural counties struggling with lower-paying service jobs. Addressing this uneven growth will be a key challenge for policymakers going forward.